Don’t expect a new Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch anytime soon

I haven’t seen many wearables launch in the last few months have you? Apart from Samsung’s Gear S3 and ASUS’ ZenWatch 3 going on sale, there hasn’t been much action in this particular niche.

Actually interest for smartwatches and related seems to be going downwards. And don’t think that smartwatch makers like Motorola haven’t noticed it. Actually if you were hoping to see a next-gen Moto 360 smartwatch arrive on the market any time soon, you’re probably going to be disappointed.

Launched in 2014, the original Moto 360 captured the attention of wearable fans with its sleek curvaceous design. Many reviewers said the Moto 360 proved to be a success because it resembled so a traditional watch so much. Motorola even released a next-gen Moto 360 in 2015, but it seems the smartwatch’s momentum has faded.

Talking to The Verge, Moto’s Head of Global Product development Shakil Barkat said that the company doesn’t “see enough full in the market” to be considering a new smartwatch in the near future. Motorola recognizes wearables do not have enough appeal, so refreshing its smartwatch lineup every year does not make sense.

Android Wear 2.0 will be unveiled in early 2017, but Motorola may not be listed as a partner anymore. Although LG is rumored to be working on a series of new intelligent timepieces dubbed Watch Style, Watch Pro, Watch Force and Watch Solo.

After the Pixel, Google might also decide it’s time to unveil an Android Wear smartwatch of its own. And HTC’s elusive Halfbeak prototype has been spotted around the web a few months ago, indicating HTC might also launch a new wearable in the near future.

A recent report released by IDC wearables, revealed that sales in the wearable market declined with 52% in Q3 compared to the same time period in 2015.

Furthermore, we’ve heard that Fibit might be interested in acquiring Pebble – a smartwatch startup that used to be quite popular. But recent developments indicate that both wearable makers are striving to survive.

It will be interesting to see what happens in 2017 and if the smartwatch will be able to make a comeback.

That’s a shame but I can’t help but think that so many of the smartwatch offerings were lacking. My first one was a Moto360 1st gen but battery life was crap. I then moved to a Pebble Time which I’ve loved. I’ve backed a Pebble Time 2 so hopefully that’ll be delivered soon (although Pebble’s possible acquisition by Fitbit might put a spanner in the works for that). People want a smartwatch that can last a few days. I hope a Google Pixel smartwatch really does come out and is very very appealing along with the Android Wear 2.0 software.

Debbie

Perhaps they should have done more marketing toward women. Most of do not want to wear a watch that looks like it was made for a man.